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7 Benefits of Voice and Telecom Network Consolidation

Luke Genoyer 14th July 2023 blog

The benefits of voice and telecom network consolidation.

As an IT infrastructure manager or network engineer, your time on the job should be spent maximizing efficiency and reducing costs while building reliable business systems. Do you spend too …Read More »

What is Inbound Sales? Definition, Examples, & Strategies

Kim Sayers 13th July 2023 blog

The sales landscape is constantly changing and adapting to prospect preferences. That’s where inbound sales come in. In this post, we will explore the fundamentals of inbound sales, why this …Read More »

What is Call Handling?

Vasudha 11th July 2023 blog

Voice calls remain a vital customer service channel because customers can receive immediate, real-time, and tailored support. Phone calls allow customers to express their queries and concerns, especially complex ones, …Read More »

Ultimate Guide to 1300 Numbers in Australia

Luke Genoyer 10th July 2023 blog

If you’re doing business in Australia or have lived there, you’ve probably seen different phone number types, including 1800 numbers, 1300 numbers, 04 mobile numbers, and local area code numbers. …Read More »

4 Cloud Communications Trends for Businesses (2026)

Vasudha 4th July 2023 blog

4 cloud communication trends you must know

By 2026, 85% of organizations will be “cloud first.” And by embracing cloud communications, organizations can enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and enjoy the benefits of scalability and cost-effectiveness. Cloud technology …Read More »

Global Call Forwarding Launches New Voicemail Transcription Feature

Global Call Forwarding 27th June 2023 Press

Global Call Forwarding launches a new Voicemail Transcription feature that enables customers to receive and view voicemail transcripts in their email inbox. DELRAY BEACH, FL, June 2023 This feature expands …Read More »

Top 7 Destinations for Medical Tourism in the World

Valerie Stitt 14th March 2017 blog, Business Insights

Overview

Tourism has existed for a very long time. However, medical tourism has become increasingly popular in recent times and this is because a lot of people are now looking towards the industry to deal with issues that affect their health.

Medical tourism is the process of traveling from your home country to another country in order to seek medical care. According to a study completed by the Medical Tourism Association, more Americans are traveling abroad in order to seek medical attention elsewhere. Most people travel for medical care because the cost for treatment is less expensive in foreign countries than in their home country. Others embark on medical trips because they want to undergo a process that is illegal in their home country. There are lots of medical procedures that people undergo while traveling abroad. However, the most common treatments are plastic surgery, heart surgery, and even dentistry.

Why Medical Tourism?

There are lots of reasons why people embark on medical tourism. A few of them are discussed below.

It is Cost Efficient: This is probably the number one reason why most people decide to go overseas for medical treatment. By seeking help abroad, this saves on cost for elective procedures. For instance, the price for a particular treatment may be 50% less expensive in another country. Some procedures cost more than $10,000 in the United States, meaning that medical tourists can save $5,000 or more.
Quality Service: It is human nature to assume that if something is cheap then it is likely to be of lower quality, but for a well-planned medical tour, the situation is always different. Most people embark on medical tourism to receive quality services from world renowned medical centers. Most medical tourist centers have been accredited by the JCI; (Joint Commission International) which means the quality standards of medical services delivered will be one of the best any patient can ever receive.
Professional Treatment: Another reason why people go abroad on medical trips is to receive treatment from top professionals. Most of the surgeons who treat international patients have been trained in some of the best medical schools in the world. The hospitals in these countries offer state of-the-art facilities with services to international patients that are equal or greater to the services that are offered in their home country.
Latest Technology: International patients have attested to the fact that they had greater access to treatments using the latest technology in the medical industry. Numerous medical tourism hubs offer tourists across the world the benefits of quality medical facilities at lower costs.
Opportunity to Travel Abroad: Medical tourism allows patients an opportunity to travel abroad and experience life in other countries. Some people may even choose to recuperate in the country where they received the medical treatment.

Top 7 Worldwide Medical Tourism Destinations

More countries across the world are opening up their health systems to medical tourists by providing affordable costs; combining the experience with comfortable accommodations. The following 7 countries are known for providing the best medical care for international patients. Note that these medical tourism destinations have been properly scrutinized and rest assured that the clinics in many of these countries have been awarded JCI accreditation.

India: You are probably wondering why India of all countries should make the list since it is known for ancient medicine. However, if you are looking for one of the best destinations for medical treatment, India should always come to mind. There are many trained and qualified medical professionals who are capable of treating some of the worst ailments in the world today. Indian doctors work very fast to diagnose you and start treatment immediately – which means a shorter waiting time for patients. The costs are also very affordable when compared to other countries.
Singapore: Over the years, Singapore has been able to come up with formidable policies that have resulted in a massive boost to its economy. This has helped it establish its place as one of the most developed countries in the world. Singapore boasts world class medical centers that are operated by some of the best professionals you will find in the medical field. The country has received awards for its state-of-the-art medical service delivery. When considering a country to travel to for medical treatment, Singapore should come to mind.
South Korea: South Korea is also one of the countries of the world that has experienced massive development in recent times. It boasts some of the best medical centers in the world. Hospitals in South Korea have a reputation not only in cosmetic surgery but for treating chronic injuries that people sustain when they get involved in serious accidents.
Costa Rica: Though Costa Rica is more famous for having some of the best tourist attractions in the world, it has also cemented its place as one of the best medical tourism destinations in the world. Cost Rica provides social stability and transparency for its patients and provides them treatment using the latest healthcare technology.
Thailand: Thailand has been able to build its reputation as one of the best medical tourism centers in the world. The quality of service delivery in Thailand is excellent and the health costs are low; which makes it one of the most affordable destinations for medical treatment.
Germany: Germany also ranks in as one of the best countries to visit for medical treatment. They have excellent medical equipment, a wide range of specialized medical professionals, and some of the best medical facilities in the world, which has made it one of the best tourism destinations.
United Arab Emirates: UAE is gradually building its reputation as one of the best providers of high-class health services. They boast of the best medical professionals and expertise that specializes in plastic surgery, abdominal surgery, dental care and many others. This makes them one of the favorite destinations to consider when planning for your next medical trip.

Whichever country you choose in your medical travels, take into consideration that destination is not more important than finding the right treatment for a certain condition. There is no compromise on care just to visit a certain country.

How a Coworking Office Space Can Improve Your Startup

Luke Genoyer 23rd November 2016 blog, Business Insights

The past few years have been remarkable for the technology industry. It seems like every week that another tech startup is valued in the billions of dollars. With private market valuations of technology companies continuing to grow, more and more entrepreneurs are looking to get in the startup business. How many entrepreneurs would rather have a monotonous desk job than own their sure-fire startup?

A “Unicorn” is a startup company with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. In the past decade, unicorn startups like Airbnb (Founded: 2008, valuation: $25.5B), Uber (2009, $68B), and Snapchat (2011, $17.8B), have all seen a massive inflow of funds from private tech investors.

California is home to numerous technology corporations, and Silicon Valley is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think about startups. Venture Beat pointed out that almost half of the startup “unicorns” are in California. They also show, however, that unicorns are scattered across the globe, with headquarters in China, Germany, India and Canada.

These days, an entrepreneur can open his own startup anywhere. Email and phone forwarding enables you to run a business effectively from anywhere in the world. As a result, coworking spaces have popped up in major cities around the world.

Where Can Entrepreneurs Find Cheap Alternatives to Office Space?

Deskmag gives a great definition of a coworking office: “Every workspace with flexible structures that is designed for and by people with atypical, new types of work – that is not exclusively for people from one certain company.”

Before the rise of coworking spaces, entrepreneurs had very few options apart from leasing office space. Sure, you could set up shop in a (cramped?) home office, but every business needs an address. Nowadays, entrepreneurs can occupy coworking spaces on a membership basis.

The major economic reason why an entrepreneur will use a coworking space is to save time and money. Coworking space operators will usually offer flexible terms that allow renters to move in and out and upgrade or downgrade their pre-furnished offices as the renters please. But a coworking space has value that extends beyond what a business can save on rent.

Coworking spaces deliver value-added benefits that are difficult to quantify in dollar terms. The first benefit is the networking opportunities. The second benefit is helping your business project a more professional appearance.

The first major benefit of a coworking space is the opportunity to network with like-minded people. In the entrepreneurial world, who you know can be equally important as what you know. A great coworking space is a congregation of minds who share similar aspirations. Every person who walks in the door is a professional, and a coworking space is an ideal place to bounce ideas off your peers and create long-lasting business relationships

In addition to networking, a coworking space can help entrepreneurs project a more professional image for their business. Just like a toll-free number is more effective as a branding tool than a personal phone number, a coworking space will make a business look more established than a home office. A business address and phone number will show clients and investors that an enterprise is well-established.

Coworking Trends

These days, it is the small customer, or small group, that supplies the highest amount of demand for office space. There are more small groups looking for office solutions than there are large groups looking to lease an entire building or entire floor.

We look for this trend to continue as large corporations downsize. In addition, we expect coworking operators to modify their approach in order to attract more clients.

We expect four themes to emerge during 2017 with regards to coworking: niche communities, corporate partnerships, around-the-clock renting and added services. First, operators will appeal to specific groups and professional sectors to create a stronger community. Second, coworking providers have started to form partnerships with corporations. Third, the shared-space concept will be extended into living arrangements. Finally, look for some operators to experiment with concierge services, travel offerings, etc. in order to entice renters.

How to Choose the Right Coworking Space

The coworking market currently has thousands of players. Locations have sprung up in huge numbers in cities like New York, Hong Kong and Singapore while operators are designing new service offerings and rental models. Entrepreneurs, especially those with web-based businesses, are able to work in whatever country they choose thanks to virtual phone numbers and offices. No matter which country you reside in, there are several important factors to focus on when choosing a coworking space.

Focus on community

Networking is one of the greatest benefits that come with a shared office space. We advise you to consider the types of businesses that occupy the space and decide if these peers will help your business grow

Focus on function

What goals does your business have for the future? Some coworking providers have programs to accelerate the growth of occupants. For example, the Hive in Southeast Asia offers partnership opportunities for member companies, along with other great programs. You want a coworking space that will support your business.

Focus on location

If your virtual office is far away from where you live, chances are you won’t spend much time there. We recommend choosing an office that is close to your home.

Focus on utilities

High-speed internet is a requirement for doing business in today’s internet environment. The facility should come equipped with Wi-Fi, a fax machine and conference rooms. Some locations have a kitchen and free coffee and snacks. Others offers 24/7 access to the office. The utilities you want to look for will depend on the needs of your business.

Do you have experience with coworking? How did your business benefit from joining a coworking space? Do you recommend any particular locations? Share your comments below.

Virtual Office Systems Provides Relief: Home Business Tips

Global Call Forwarding 8th September 2016 blog, Business Insights

Home office professionals and entrepreneurs find accessibility with virtual office system benefits

Managing the day-to-day administration of paperwork, phone calls and accounting is one of the most difficult challenges of a home business professional. You don’t have the support system that you find in large corporations, with switchboards, trained customer service personnel and personal assistants. So when you’re running the show all on your own, you need help. It’s that simple.

One of the easiest ways to find help is to contact a virtual phone number provider, which can immediately make your life easier. By setting you up with a toll free forwarding number, and by providing you with the benefits that a competent provider can offer, you can propel your business to the next level. Here are some of the ways you’ll benefit:

Accommodations for travelers. Some of us travel across town, the state or the country in order to meet clients and get our business done. That’s a lot of time on the road, and if you’re not reachable, you’re losing clients. With a virtual phone number you’ll never miss another call! You can get the “follow me” voicemail solution that will find you no matter where you are. The phone service can try as many numbers as you’d like until they reach you. They can even screen your calls, so that you can decide which calls you want to take and which ones you’d like to send to voicemail.

Consultant assistance. With a phone service, you can create the important image of success a consultant needs to succeed, as well as serve your clients better and create more billable hours. Call forwarding service will allow you to maximize your availability during working hours and free yourself from calls after hours. You can control the numbers where you can be reached as well as the times of day and days of the week you are accessible.

Home business management. With a virtual phone system, you can present an image of success and professionalism that will give your customers a sense of confidence in your company. You will have a voicemail solution that allows you to work successfully from your home without sacrificing your personal life.

As a home office manager and entrepreneurs, finding help can be crucial for the success of your business. By finding a virtual office system that works for you, you can take a positive step in improving your business.

Home business and small business owners benefit from virtual office system features

Shopping for a virtual office system that can offer you things like 800 phone numbers, vanity numbers, and office management assistance can be mind-numbing. Especially if you’ve never had such a service before. Where do you start? There are dozens of companies out there that can offer you countless benefits.

Once you narrow down the main services you want, you’ll probably have lots of additional questions.

Here are some basic features that you’ll want to look for that will enhance your benefits and help your company see results:

Look for a competitive rate. Toll-free rates can be as low as 4.5 cents per minute, which is very competitive in today’s market.
Beware of lengthy contracts. Instead of getting tied up in a long-term commitment, look for a company that offers monthly subscriptions for toll-free numbers.
Rely on technical support. Make sure that the company you sign up with offers a client services department to help you with any questions that come up. You don’t want to be hung out to dry in the middle of the afternoon when you have a question or concern.
Look for customization. Your company may have special needs, like you may need rotational voicemail for different people or groups. You also might need a script for special recordings, or rather you might choose to utilize a voice talent service. Make sure you are given these options for maximum impact.
Look for accessibility. Make sure that you have call forwarding available to you. Also, investigate the features to the call forwarding service. For instance, can you choose the time of day or days of the week you would like to get calls from a particular number? Make sure you have options with this feature, as well as with Call Back and Paging options.
Number flexibility. If you have an existing 800 number, make sure you can direct it to your new system. You should also be able to attach multiple 800 numbers to your system as well.
Look for payment options. If suitable for your needs, look for a pay-as-you-go plan. This allows for additional flexibility. Another option is a prepaid minute plan, which can help you stay in control of your usage.
Consider additional customer benefits. Some companies offer customer referral programs, which might include giving you credit for every new customer you refer. These benefits can add up over a month or a year and help you save money.

As you consider signing on with a virtual office service, knowing the benefits to look for and the questions to ask can help save money and lots of time.

Small Business Tips: Improve Your Company Image with Call Forwarding Numbers

Global Call Forwarding 8th September 2016 blog, Business Insights

Small business owners and home based businesses can improve business image with advanced call forwarding services.

At some point in in time, every entrepreneur or small business owner will have one of those moments where a light bulb goes off and you realize, “Oh, my. My business is growing so fast that I can‘t keep up with everything.”

It’s a good problem to have, but it also is one that requires action. If you’re buried with paperwork, burning the candle at both ends and working more hours than you can physically spare, it’s time to get help.

One of the easiest and fastest ways to relieve some of your stress while improving your company productivity, customer relations and image, is to seek the services of Global Call Forwarding. This company features toll free services that have helped thousands of entrepreneurs like you launch and grow their business.

Here are some of the most immediate and gratifying benefits you’ll experience:

Enhanced company image
Increased productivity
Potential increase in profits
Toll free numbers
Vanity numbers
Unified messaging
Follow-me call forwarding
The ability to give off the impression of being an established corporation
Easy-to-use applications
Full range of features and options to fit your unique needs
Enhance your personal branding with call forwarding numbers

And that’s just the beginning. If you know it’s time to expand your business, improve your offerings and provide great customer service, then using a qualified voice system provider is your next step. It’ll be one of the easiest business moves you’ve ever made.

In the professional world, you are your brand. How potential clients find you and how others in your industry look at you will depend almost entirely on the personal branding strategy that you set forth. It should not be a surprise then that personal branding extends to every aspect of your professional persona. From the clothing you wear to the design on your business card your personal brand needs to be unique, memorable and simple to remember.

While personal branding is important in all aspects of your professional life, one area that it may be most crucial is your contact information. Applying your personal brand to your telephone number is easier than you might think thanks to call forwarding.

A customized call forwarding number is a great way to increase your exposure and propel your career. By changing your existing number into something simple to remember and easy to share you can start promoting your business through platforms like websites, blogs and social media—all in a completely safe fashion. Customized numbers eliminate the long and awkward sequence of numbers, making it possible for you to make yourself easily identifiable with a simple word or even your name in lieu of a standard phone number.

Whether you are handing out your number on the fly, are posting it to social media accounts or building your web presence elsewhere, a customized, unique number can really boost your personal brand. Call Forwarding numbers can protect your personal identity by unifying your personal contact information with that of your company, offering you a level of anonymity that handing out a personal number exposes. As an added benefit, changing your personal number to a forwarded number will reduce unwanted telemarketing calls.

By forwarding your number to a single, customized line you can unify multiple lines into one simple number. This makes it easier as you grow, making it possible for all potential employers or clients in multiple cities to contact you through one simple number—without requiring different numbers for different locations and area codes. Your customized number can be toll free, which increases your business persona and adds a higher degree of validity to your professional name.

Don’t let your contact information be just another forgotten number. Enhance your personal brand by customizing a forwarded number and spread your name to a whole new world of potential clients.